**7 July 1921**

**5 VI 1921.**
**Comrade Radchenko!** Do not find fault with Hydrotorf.

This matter is recognized by law as having exceptional importance.

The Glavtorf is obliged to conduct this matter not from fear, but from conscience.

A great invention. With inventors, even if they are somewhat capricious, one must know how to conduct business.

And I do not see any caprice so far.

Kirpichnikov is the inventor. He must be set in motion and dispatched.

Objections can only come from political considerations: if you have them, report them confidentially.

If not, you must certainly send Kirpichnikov.

I know excellently and highly value your merit in establishing Glavtorf. You set it up as a model. I beg you very earnestly: do not make mistakes, do not find fault with Hydrotorf.

Greetings!

Lenin.

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**Glavtorf.**
**Radchenko**
**(Confidential)**
**7 VI [1921]**

Dear Ivan Ivanych!

I fully understand that it pains you to see how non-Soviet people — perhaps even partly enemies of Soviet power — have used their invention for purposes of personal gain. I fully believe you that such is Kirpichnikov. Of course, Klassov is not our supporter either. But that is precisely the point — that however justified your feeling of indignation, one must not make a mistake, must not yield to it.

Inventors are outsiders, but we must use them. It is better to let them skim off profits, make money, pocket gains — but to set in motion and advance the cause, which is of exceptional importance for the RSFSR.

Let us think through the tasks for these people in greater detail.

Perhaps such a plan:

1) Allow Kirpichnikov to travel on condition of executing precisely defined tasks; draw up a list of them;

2) Send with him 2-3 politically reliable people (a worker, one of our engineers, etc.), as a kind of "commissars."

Give them precise instructions.

We shall confirm items 1 and 2 in agreement with Krzhizhanovsky.

3) Create in Russia a special center, order the best Hydrotorf machines, establish with these special machines this special center — i.e., a special enterprise — and entrust to it the advancement of this matter.

Can you find people for this?

4) Give from Glavtorf prizes (of 10,000-50,000 rubles in gold) in Canada and in Germany for the best methods of dehydrating peat and the best sample machines for Hydrotorf, etc.

Your Lenin.

P.S. It is strange to me that Klassov did not give prizes in Germany, although you spoke with him about it. Is he delaying? Should we not do this directly through Glavtorf? Money should not be spared for this.

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**1** The reference is to the hydraulic mechanized method of peat extraction, invented in 191[7] by engineers R. E. Klassov and V. D. Kirpichnikov. In 1920, one hydraulic installation operated in Russia; at present hydraulic peat extraction is applied in all major peat electric power stations.

**2** — 22 April 1921

**[2 April 1921]**

**Comrade Gorbunov!**

1) Read this
2) Help in whatever way you can (verify with Milyutin)
3) Read about Hydrotorf and receive Kirpichnikov

Lenin

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**[22 April 1921]**

Today in the STO the question is being raised:

Tariffs for peat workers.

It is necessary to summon: 1) Radchenko
2) Smirnov
special importance
3) Paderein or Goltzman from the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions

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**21 IV 1921**

**Comrade Khalatov!** This must be done. Judging from the summary of Lezhava (sent to you today, 22/IV), we can repay such a loan from foreign purchases.

Lenin.

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**1** In a letter of 22 April, V. D. Kirpichnikov wrote to Lenin that, having learned of the interest Lenin had shown in Hydrotorf, he requested an appointment for presenting a report on this question.

Moreover, V. Kirpichnikov sent Lenin a report "On the situation regarding the payment of personnel at the Moscow State Electric Power Station," where he worked as responsible director. In the report, Kirpichnikov raised the question of retariffication of engineering and technical personnel, whose wages were significantly lower than other categories of workers.

Lenin directed the report to V. P. Milyutin, who was in 1921 a member of the presidium of the People's Commissariat of Labor.